The burglary was in Dartford last year

A 31-year-old man from Sydenham has been jailed for his part in a violent burglary last year.

Dean Reid, of Dartmouth Road, and another man forced their way into the home of their victims, who had just returned from walking their dog in July last year.

One of the burglars hit a male victim over the head to get through the front door of the home in Elm Road, Dartford.

Then they then threatened to shoot a woman at the home if they didn’t reveal where they kept their jewellery, pointing the weapon at a second man who was also inside.

After searching the property, Reid and his partner-in-crime forced their victims to take off any jewellery they were wearing.

The two burglars then ran off with money, electrical items and other valuables.

Reid was arrested in August but denied the charges.

A jury found him guilty after the heard how forensic evidence linked Reid to the scene of the crime.

DC Rob Sircar said: “Nobody has the right to enter another person’s home uninvited and steal items that do not belong to them. To do so when the occupants are present and to inflict violence upon them makes this offence even more serious.

“He will now serve a lengthy period of time behind bars, which is only right for someone who clearly poses a significant danger to the public.”